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Newsline audio releases — February 8, 2013

Listed below are MP3 audio files and the text of actualities and wraps associated with WisDOT's Radio Newsline.

Hold the phone! Terry Stark, with the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, says distracted driving is dangerous for drivers of all ages, but especially for novice drivers with limited experience behind the wheel.

Cut 1: Terry Stark, DMV (316 KB/20 seconds)

"In Wisconsin, the law prohibits using a cell phone while driving for drivers with a probationary license or instruction permit. The only exception is to report an emergency. The law applies to both handheld and hands-free cell phones. And texting while driving is against the law for all drivers."

Cut 2: Terry Stark, DMV (409 KB/26 seconds)

"We strongly suggest people silence their phones or turn them off before driving. If it really is absolutely necessary to use the phone, carefully pull over and stop where it’s safe. With regard to teenagers, traffic crashes kill more teens than any other cause of death. And distracted driving is a factor in many of those crashes. So our message is: no phone call or text message is worth destroying someone’s life."

Cut 3: Wrap with Stark (905 KB/58 seconds)

Distracted driving is dangerous any time of year, but perhaps even more so in winter when a driver’s responsibilities can be compounded by snow, ice or fog. Terry Stark, with the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, says a recent state law prohibits cell phone use by novice drivers.

"In Wisconsin, the law prohibits using a cell phone while driving for drivers with a probationary license or instruction permit. The only exception is to report an emergency. The law applies to both handheld and hands-free cell phones. And texting while driving is against the law for all drivers."

Transportation safety officials suggest silencing cell phones or turning them off when getting behind the wheel. Stark says if it’s absolutely necessary to use your phone, carefully pull over and stop where it’s safe. This is Rob Miller reporting.

While driving in Wisconsin, motorists have a handy travel information tool for current situations. Virginia Lingham of the Statewide Traffic Operations Center explains about “5-1-1.”

Cut 1: Virginia Lingham, Statewide Traffic Operations Center (384 KB/24 seconds)

"5-1-1 is our statewide traveler information system that we provide to get up-to-date traveler information to the public. It’s available via the web at 511wi.gov and then also by calling 5-1-1 on any phone within the state. 5-1-1 is a great resource, being able to provide that information in those important times when you need it most."

Cut 2: Virginia Lingham, Statewide Traffic Operations Center (386 KB/25 seconds)

"It provides a wide array of travel information services, including construction projects, traveler information by region or statewide. But most importantly, we provide the “real time” information on traffic conditions, including incident alerts and crash information, as well as lane closures and other construction-related information, to get that information out to the public."

Cut 3: Wrap with Lingham (981 KB/63 seconds)

5-1-1…it’s a quick and easy number to remember. It’s your guide to Wisconsin Travel Information! Here to tell about it is Virginia Lingham, Travel Information Program Manager of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Statewide Traffic Operations Center.

"It provides a wide array of travel information services, including construction projects, traveler information by region or statewide. But most importantly, we provide the “real time” information on traffic conditions, including incident alerts and crash information, as well as lane closures and other construction-related information, to get that information out to the public."

Motorists can call 5-1-1 or visit “511wi.gov” online to access the system. Remember, to do so only while you are not driving, for safety reasons. 5-1-1 is one more tool the Wisconsin Department of Transportation provides to enhance travelers’ driving experiences. This is Kathy Scholl reporting.

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Last modified: February 7, 2013